Composite Microservice Architecture of the Digital Twin

Abstract

Industrial digital twins integrate physical objects, dynamic models, control systems, data analysis tools, 2D and 3D visualization, and existing software systems. Much research has focused on the functional composition of the digital twin, modeling, and application scenarios, while the organization of the digital twin as an evolving software system composed of technologically heterogeneous and autonomous subsystems remains insufficiently formalized. The goal of this study is to develop a conceptual composite architecture for an industrial digital twin, in which complex subsystems are viewed as highly interconnected and loosely coupled service components of a higher-order system. The research method is based on analogy, transfer, and adaptation of proven principles of distributed and microservice systems to the constraints of industrial digital twins. An architectural model is proposed that includes a physical object, a process model, SCADA subsystems, a unified data exchange subsystem, 2D and 3D representations, VR/AR components, and automated model building modules. The practical feasibility of the approach is demonstrated using a proof-of-concept digital twin of a methanol–ammonia co-production plant, integrating Honeywell UniSim Design R460.1, web-based SCADA, Unity, and specialized 2D and 3D representation generation modules. This demonstration confirms the feasibility of integrating independently developed subsystems and the technological heterogeneity of the solution, but does not constitute a production test of performance, scalability, or cost effectiveness. Requirements for contract stability, a consistent interaction environment, assigned data responsibility, version compatibility, and complete documentation are defined. Research limitations and areas for subsequent quantitative architecture validation are identified.